Can the Snappi-led Ninjas take the org back to the top?
Ninjas In Pyjamas have confirmed their roster revamp going into the 2025 season. The updated roster retains Artem "r1nkle" Moroz, with four new additions joining the AWPer. Marco "Snappi" Pfeiffer headlines the NIP signings, alongside Heroic stalwart Rasmus "sjuush" Beck and SAW-duo Michel "ewjerkz" Magalhães and Rafael "arrozdoce" Wing.
Snappi takes the reigns at NIP
First reported by HLTV and Guillaume 'neL' Rathier, Snappi joins NIP as the In-Game Leader to lead the project going forward. The Danish IGL thrived at scouting and leading international rosters at c0ntact and ENCE. His big-money move to the Falcons was supposed to be the step-up that filled up the trophy cabinets. But a lack of consistent star power hampered the team, leading to his eventual cut.
Now, the Dane returns to Scandinavia, hoping to revive the NIP brand. While his stock may have dropped, NIP and much of the CS community still rate him highly. And, with his proven track record of molding high-fragging rookies into superstars, the roster suits him quite well. Alongside him, NIP will also sign sjuush, Heroic's last remaining player, as an anchor and support player.
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ewjerkz and arrozdoce - SAW's stars go international
Bolstering the firepower for Snappi's NIP will be former SAW stars arrozdoce and ewjerkz. arrozdoce's departure from SAW was perplexing. The 22-year-old was benched after expressing an interest in leaving the team at the end of the year. That prompted SAW to bench him prior to the RMR, but the team bombed the event, failing to qualify for the Shanghai Major. ewjerkz then joined him on the bench at the end of the season.
The duo has already proven their potential at big events, including their Top 4 finish at IEM Cologne, and will aim to help r1nkle in leading the team in fragging output. The move will, however, mark the end of Fredrik "REZ" Sterner's long career with NIP.
Can Snappi and Co. lead NIP back to the top?
NIP's freefall, which started in 2023, has sent the organization down the rankings with little development to show for it. A litany of roster changes and eventual restructuring of the esports division has culminated in a complete overhaul for 2025. Unlike teams like Heroic and Falcons, who are reportedly relying on pre-established cores to carry VRS-ranking and invites to their new orgs, NIP is aiming at a longer-term rebuild with a fresh set of players.
